‘A Nod to Brent’ features exquisite bespoke buildings from David Amias. CHRIS NEVARD

Robin Sweet has worked on the same layout for over a decade. The result? A delightful homage to both Brent station and his father.

Big layouts can be even bigger commitments; opt for a micro layout and you’ll likely be finished within a year – sometimes less. But large layouts like Robin Sweet’s ‘A Nod to Brent’ (14ft by 7ft 10in) can take years to complete, and even then there’s always something to fix, upgrade or amend. The solution? Make sure you choose a subject that’s going to retain your interest for the long haul.

The reasons why Robin chose to build a model of Brent station are many, but his main connection with the subject matter is deeply personal. “My father used to live in nearby Kingsbridge when he was a lad,” he explains. “Brent station is a model he would have built if he were still alive, so it’s something of an homage.”

Robin also shares his father’s affinity with the prototype, and has found much to enjoy since he started the build way back in 2003. He explains why: “It’s a GWR main line station with a branch line, which means I can run a variety of stock. The main line caters for my love of fast express trains, which I can leave to run round while I shunt the yard...